Top 10 Slots Tips

Slots is easily the most popular online casino game in the business, and it’s also by far the largest. Most casinos will have hundreds of games to choose from, with different payouts, jackpots, themes and bonuses – where do you even start?

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We’ve racked our brains and compiled a list of our top 10 slots tips for all players, whether you’re brand new to online casino or were running slots back in the pub when they had 3 reels, big levers and fixable payouts.

Whatever your situation, a bit of advice can go a long way and we hope you’ll enjoy these tips, take something from them and have a great time playing slots!

1. Play Progressives to Win Big

We don’t recommend slots as a money-making initiative; there’s no guarantee and you could lose any money you put into the casino. However, if you want to chase that jackpot, then there’s only one type of slot that’s worthy of your interest: progressives.

Progressive slots are a bit special. Unlike most games that have a fixed jackpot that can be triggered in-game, progressive jackpot are always increasing. A small percentage of every single bet placed is added to the total, and these usually number in the millions by the time they’re won.

The odds of winning are obviously low, but the jackpot is always taken home eventually – for anyone looking to win big, there’s no other option.

2. Try it for Free

Particularly if you’re new to video slots and aren’t sure how they work, or what to expect, playing a free demo version will ease you in nicely. The game mechanics and software engine are identical to the real thing, but your purse is filled with fake currency.

Not only does this stop you from hemorrhaging your paycheck while you figure out the paylines and dynamics of the game, but it also lets you sample various different types and themes to get an idea of what you enjoy playing. There are thousands of titles out there, and spending £1-2 experimenting with each one isn’t a great use of your money. Take advantage of the free demos and refine your tastes before investing.

3. Experiment with Game Selection

Most casinos – particularly those powered by Microgaming – have a huge catalogue of games to choose from. We’re talking hundreds upon hundreds of video slots alone, so there’s plenty of variety out there.

Reading reviews are a good way to get a feel for what a game has to offer, but by sampling and trying different types for yourself you’ll get a real feel for your favourites. Trust us, now and then you find a game that you just cannot stop playing – experimentation gives you the chance to find them!

4. Remember the Slot is Never “Cold”

This is mostly aimed at the veterans whose fathers filled them with superstition – immediately after a big win, you have exactly the same chance of winning another jackpot as you did before. The slot doesn’t “cool down” or get “hot” – the probability of winning is unchanging.

Following a big win, trust your luck and keep playing! The payouts can (and often do) keep coming, so unless you actually want to leave the game for some reason, don’t let your nagging superstitions stop you from enjoying yourself.

For those who like rolling high, this is great news since it improves your winning potential. However, regular players should remember that the odds still favour the house and that will never change. The risk of playing high stakes is also much more severe, as losses can quickly add up to a serious debt.

Always pay attention to your bets and think hard about the payoff between payback percentage and potential loss.

6. Only Bet What You’re Willing to Lose

In the same vein – though applying to all players, not just high rollers – is that you should never, ever bet more than you can afford. Problem gambling is a very real, serious threat and it’s possible to get into all sorts of trouble if you start depending on slots to win your money back.

By only wagering amounts you’re happy to lose, playing slots will always be a fun experience – the wins will be a huge bonus, but the losses are fine if it’s a good game. Playing for fun should always be your number one priority, and you should never depend on slots to make a living.

7. Video Poker

This isn’t so much a tip on playing online slots, but more a tip to play a game which is similar, in essence, to slots. Poker purists will deny any similarity, but the game is very simple and has quite a lot in common with slots – namely, the outcome is random. The difference, and the reason video poker has better odds, is that you can influence the outcome.

Basically, you are dealt a hand, and you can choose to hold any of those cards. The remaining cards are re-dealt and if you have a winning hand (anything better than a pair of jacks, usually) then you win. The better the hand, the higher the payout.

8. Research Bonuses

Virtually every online casino bonus comes with wagering requirements or a time limit that may not be immediately obvious. Even casinos with low wagering requirements3 can be time-consuming, so it’s important to read and understand the bonus fully before taking it on.

9. Start Small

When you’re knew to slots – especially if you’ve played 1-2 times and have had good results – you might not realise just how easy it is to lose money. You can lose 10, 20 or even 30 spins in a row without a single win and that can cripple your balance.

By starting with small sums – a few pence per spin, maybe – you can get a feel for the mercurial nature of slots. It’ll give you an appreciation of how the games work, and once you’re comfortable, you can start ramping up the wagers. Many players enjoy the smaller sums and spend all their time there, earning little but also suffering minor losses.

10. Play Games with Bonus Rounds

The plethora of bonus rounds available in video slots is one of their strongest assets. Thunderstruck II, for example, has its incredible Great Hall of Spins, where chaos ensues and spins, cash and multipliers appear from all sides.

Not all bonuses are as good as the Great Hall, but they are so varied and rewarding that each has its own special appeal. Playing video slots without bonus rounds is almost a sin, so make sure you find games with great bonuses to get the full experience.